Countries Most At Risk of Winter Depression and SAD
According to researchers (4), “The exact origins of SAD remain unclear; however, suggest that reduced sunlight exposure plays a key role. The lack thereof potentially influencing hormonal shifts and mood regulation. SAD prevalence may also vary depending on genetic factors as well as individual susceptibility.”
Winter depression impacts a notable portion of the global population by interfering with daily living and challenging a person’s well-being.
Where does winter depression come from?
In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, SAD is identified as a subtype of major depressive disorder or a qualifier of bipolar disorder. However, it has a recurrent and seasonal pattern since symptoms occur at a specific time of the year, usually during the fall and winter months. Notably, some people may experience SAD (3) in the summer. This is known as summer-pattern SAD, but it is less common compared to winter-pattern SAD.
Possible risk factors include family history, female sex, living at a more northern latitude, and young adulthood (18 to 30 years of age).
With the temporal nature of the mood episodes, diagnosis requires full remission when the specified season ends and two consecutive years of episodes in the same season. First-line therapy for seasonal affective disorder includes light therapy, mindfulness, Vitamin D, cognitive behavior therapy, alone or in combination. In extreme cases anti-depressants may be prescribed by a medical professional.
The symptoms of winter depression
Winter-pattern SAD or winter depression is characterized by symptoms associated with depression.
Do you have the following symptoms?
- A persistently low mood.
- Fatigue.
- Feelings of hopelessness, and loss of interest in typically enjoyable activities.
- Winter-pattern SAD includes specific symptoms such as oversleeping, overeating, and social withdrawal.
The American Psychiatric Association reports that the most challenging period for people with winter depression in the U.S. is January and February However, says the Healthnews team, “according to Google Trends, the SAD search term has peaked in November for the last 10 years in the U.S. and globally.”
The Top 15 countries most at risk
To identify countries with the highest risk, the Healthnews research and data team created a global winter-pattern SAD risk index. The study combined latitude, depression/bipolar prevalence, and population factors to create a composite risk score (0–100) for winter depression or SAD.
1. Greenland: With a leading score of 79.7, Greenland faces the highest risk globally. This is due to its extreme latitude, prolonged winter darkness, and high rates of depressive disorder.
2. Finland: Finland ranks second with a score of 69.3. This is mainly due to its high latitude and significant prevalence of bipolar disorder, which affects a large portion of its population during winter.
3. Sweden: Scoring 67.1, Sweden’s position is influenced by its northern latitude and elevated rates of bipolar disorder. This places the country among the top countries at risk for SAD.
4. United Kingdom: At a score of 64.6, the UK ranks highly due to its northern latitude and one of the world’s highest rates of bipolar disorder.
5. Norway: With a score of 63.1, Norway’s high latitude and considerable prevalence of depressive disorders increase its susceptibility to winter-related depression.
The other countries at risk are
6. Iceland: Iceland, scoring 62.9, shows a unique SAD profile. High latitude is a major factor despite relatively low depressive disorder rates among its population.
7. Canada: Canada’s risk score of 62.0 reflects both its high latitude and considerable rates of bipolar disorder.
8. Lithuania: Scoring 60.7, Lithuania’s SAD vulnerability stems from both its sizable female population and significant prevalence of depressive disorders.
9. Denmark: With a score of 60.5, Denmark’s high latitude combined with a notable bipolar disorder rate places it within the top ten.
10. Ireland: Scoring 59.3, Ireland’s latitude and prevalence of depressive disorders contribute to a challenging winter season for many.
11. Latvia: With a score of 58.9, Latvia’s risk is driven by its northern latitude and a sizable female population, which elevate its winter depression susceptibility.
12. Estonia: Scoring 58.7, Estonia is similarly affected by its latitude and bipolar disorder prevalence. This places it at higher risk for SAD.
13. New Zealand: Interestingly New Zealand ranking 13th with a score of 58.2. It is the only Southern Hemisphere country in the top 15, primarily due to its high rate of bipolar disorder.
14. Netherlands: Scoring 57.9, the Netherlands has a notable prevalence of bipolar disorder and high interest in SAD on Google. This suggests widespread awareness of the disorder’s impact.
15. Belarus: With a score of 57.9, Belarus’s northern latitude and a substantial female population contribute to its winter depression risk.
How to manage the risk of winter depression
If you think you may be at risk of suffering from winter depression, there are ways you can deal with it.
It’s very important to ensure your Vitamin D levels are sufficiently healthy. Get a blood test done and understand whether you are deficient or not.
Many people with SAD have insufficient or deficient levels of Vitamin D. Taking 100,000 IU daily may improve their symptoms.
Taking Vitamin D before winter darkness sets in may help prevent symptoms of depression. Adverse reactions or intoxication is rare but could occur from doses of more than 50,000 IU per day.
Therapy
Light therapy, dawn stimulation and cognitive behavior therapy are some of the effective treatments recommended to manage your risk.
Professional help
Winter depression can be extremely debilitating if it is unresolved. If your SAD symptoms persist, then consult a medical professional who can refer you for further evaluation.
Main photo credit: Gisèle WERTHEIM AYMéS
References, Interactive Tools and Visuals
-
American Psychiatry Association: https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/seasonal-affective-disorder
-
NIMH: Seasonal Affective Disorder: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder
-
Seasonal Affective Disorder: Common Questions and Answers: https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2020/1201/p668.html#afp20201201p668-b11
-
Seasonal Affective Disorder: An Overview of Assessment and Treatment Approaches: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2015/178564
-
Healthnews offers an interactive global map and country-specific data tables to help readers explore the study’s insights. The report is prepared by a specialist with a life sciences background and peer-reviewed by a psychology expert from our internal research team. They use carefully selected metrics based on reliable medical and scientific sources.
